If, for instance, they have heard something from the postman, they attribute it to a semi-official statement; if they have fallen into conversation with a stranger at a bar, they can conscientiously describe him as a source that has hitherto proved unimpeachable. It is only when the journalist is reporting a whim of his own, and one to which he attaches minor importance, that he defines it as the opinion of well-informed circles.

Summary

This quote highlights the tendency of journalists to manipulate the sources of their information to establish credibility. The quote suggests that journalists often attribute information to semi-official statements or trustworthy sources, even if the source is as casual as a conversation with a stranger at a bar. However, when reporting a personal opinion or something of lesser significance, journalists tend to present it as the view of well-informed circles. This highlights how journalists selectively identify sources to enhance the validity and importance of their reports.

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